Massachusetts
Nature|Hiking

This Short Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Might Just Be The Most Enchanting Hike In Massachusetts

Published Sep 20, 2023

Written by 

Kim Falchek

If you are a family that loves to hike, you know it can be challenging to find a trail everyone in your party will enjoy. As a parent, I always look for a path with lots to see along the way and fairly easy to navigate. There are some fantastic easy trails throughout all parts of Massachusetts, but my top choice is an enchanting trail that is located in the little town of Topsfield, Massachusetts.

You will be hard-pressed to find a more magical hike than the Rockery Trail at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Trail.

alt
Lisa Heard/Alltrails

This easy loop trail is less than a mile long and takes an average of 21 minutes to complete, but there is so much to see along the way! I suggest factoring in additional time to stop and explore all of the wondrous wildlife that you will encounter along the way.

advertisement

The trail leads to the Rock Grotto, a century-old man-made rock structure that is so much fun to explore.

alt
Abaseen Afghan/AllTrails

As you walk along the boardwalk to get to the grotto be on the lookout for some interesting wildlife.

alt
Melissa Levesque/AllTrails

The last time my family and I hiked this trail, we saw turtles, snakes, and even beavers!

Many beautiful birds frequent the property, including some pretty friendly ducks.

alt
Bonnie Wells/AllTrails

But one of my family’s favorite things about this hike is feeding the birds.

alt
Photo by Kimberly Falchek

Bring some birdseed with you and they will eat right out of your hand. This magical experience is like being in the middle of a Disney movie.

Have you hiked the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Trail? What kinds of wildlife did you encounter along the trail?

Please note that this property is owned by the Mass. Audobon Society and there is an entrance fee for non-members. To find out more information about this enchanting hike, please visit the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary website and the Mass Audobon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Facebook page. The October Farm Loop and the Old Colony Nature Pathway are other magical trails in Massachusetts that you might also enjoy. If you are hiking with toddlers in tow, be sure to check out this comfortable child carrier pack.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The One Loop Trail In Massachusetts That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Weir Hill Reservation in Massachusetts offers a scenic 2.6-mile loop trail perfect for year-round hiking.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

You don't have to wait until the weather is warm to enjoy a good hike. In fact, there are many trails around the Bay State that are perfect for hiking year-round. Head to the picturesque Weir Hill Reservation to take a scenic loop trail in Massachusetts for a short but sweet day hike. It's one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.

advertisement

Weir Hill Reservation in North Andover is 194 acres of woodlands that feature a lake, Merrimack Valley views, meadows, and a variety of fauna and flora, including several threatened plant species.

alt
Google Maps

Visiting Weir Hill is free and open to the public from sunrise until sunset daily. There are four miles of trails to explore the property and all it has to offer.

alt
Judy Rigano/AllTrails

Take the Weir Hill Reservation Trail, a 2.6-mile loop that will take you through the forest and to the lake. By the end of the hike, you'll have experienced 239 feet in overall elevation gain. The trail is marked by yellow blazes.

alt
Ika Champ/AllTrails

This is one of the prettiest hiking trails in MA.

No matter what time of year, a hike through the Weir Hill property promises scenery and wildlife as well as a wonderful escape out in nature.

alt
Liz Hu/AllTrails

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to hike at Weir Hill Reservation. You'll find plenty of wildlife and birds during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it when the air starts to cool.

alt
Jonas Geyer/AllTrails

In the fall, you can enjoy the leaves as they transform from green into colorful hues of yellow, orange, and red. This is one of the best hikes in Massachusetts to take in the fall.

alt
Gabrielle Berthiaume/AllTrails

Then in the winter, Weir Hill Reservation Trail is just perfect for cold-weather hiking as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This property is certainly a wonderful slice of nature to enjoy throughout the year, no matter the season.

alt
Stephen Hinds/AllTrails

Have you been for a hike at Weir Hill Reservation, one of the best hikes in Massachusetts? What are your favorite loop trails in Massachusetts? Please let us know in the comments! To learn more about Weir Hill Reservation in North Andover, visit the Trustees website and head to AllTrails for more information on the Weir Hill Reservation Trail. You should also download the AllTrails+ app for any hike you plan on doing. It's an incredibly helpful tool!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Massachusetts Is The Most Unique Hike Around

Bass Hole Boardwalk at Gray's Beach in Yarmouth Port offers stunning coastal views and marine life sightings on Cape Cod.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Sophia

Cape Cod is known for its gorgeous coastline and this stunning boardwalk is one of the best ways to experience that beauty for yourself. Here's what you need to know about visiting the Bass Hole Boardwalk on Cape Cod for a boardwalk hike in Massachusetts.

advertisement

Bass Hole Boardwalk is located at Gray's Beach in Yarmouth Port and is a supremely stunning spot.

alt
YouTube/Christopher Seufert

In March of 2018, a fierce storm flooded and destroyed much of the beloved boardwalk, rendering it unusable.

alt
YouTube/Christopher Seufert

Thankfully, the town of Yarmouth Port pulled together and reopened this Massachusetts boardwalk trail a few months later.

alt
Tripadvisor/rxph9286

Today it’s one of the most scenic places on Cape Cod. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Massachusetts.

alt
everyones-a-critic/TripAdvisor

The water beneath the boardwalk is cool, clear, and sparkling. You can usually see marine life moving beneath the rippling tide.

advertisement
alt
Hongwei Zhou/AllTrails

If you want to experience one of the prettiest views in the state, head to the end of the boardwalk and spend a few moments soaking up the scenery from the observation deck.

alt
YouTube/Christopher Seufert

Visiting the boardwalk is free and the perfect way to experience the unique beauty of the Cape Cod shoreline.

alt
Tripadvisor/Uxbridgeite

Hopefully, this special spot will be around to enjoy for many more years to come.

alt
YouTube/Christopher Seufert

Visit Google Maps to see the Bass Hole Boardwalk on a map and get driving directions. Check out the video below on this beautiful boardwalk hike in Massachusetts from YouTube user Christopher Seufert for an incredible aerial view of this spot. For more of the best hikes in Massachusetts, take a look at this list, and make sure that you download the AllTrails+ app as your guide on the trails.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Experiences
Activities

This Roller Rink in Small-Town Iowa Is the Epitome of Americana

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 5
alt
Stays

5 Last-Minute Getaways In Mississippi For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Brandi Perry
on Sep 5
alt
Food
Restaurants

This Louisiana Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

by Jackie Ann
on Sep 5
alt
Trip Ideas

9 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Arkansas Summer Bucket List

by Melanie Johnson
on Sep 5
alt
Food
Bars & Nightlife

This Panoramic-View Cocktail Bar in Kansas City, Missouri is a Must-Visit

by Alana Fravell
on Sep 5
alt